Charging extra for plastic cutlery?

A recent turn of events at a Waffle House in Saraland, Alabama has brought attention to the very real, pervasive, and systemic problem of racism and police brutality.

Chikesia Clemons, aka Keke, a 25-year-old black woman, was met with harsh brutality from Saraland Police after they were called by an employee of the Saraland Waffle House due to an argument over a dubious extra charge for plastic cutlery. When Chikesia asked for their corporate number to air her concerns of unfair treatment, a dispute broke out between the two parties. An employee at the Waffle House called the police, and the police, upon arrival, made no attempt to investigate or deescalate the situation; instead, police dragged her out of her chair -- resulting in the exposure of her naked body -- placed her in a choke hold, and threatened to break her arm.

The viciousness and brutality inflicted upon Chikesia, physically and emotionally, are atrocious. The history of barbarity towards a black woman's body in this country has CONSISTANTLY been the dehumanization and demoralization of black women, defining them as less than deserving of decency, respect and protection.

We do not accept this!

We do not accept the inadequacies and obvious contradictions of an internal investigation by the Saraland police of themselves in this matter.

We do not accept that the arresting procedures of the cops were in the spirit of justice and equity.

We adamantly reject the thoughtless, heartless and dejecting response from Waffle House.

They have proven themselves in service solely to themselves and their profits, not their communities, not toward the respect of patrons of color.

To win victories against racism, we need mass demonstrations of thousands in the streets, disrupting business as usual. A united working-class movement using the method of mass protests, non-violent civil disobedience, walk-outs and strikes based on a program that puts people’s needs first, will be most effective in fighting back against racial and class oppression.

WE CALL FOR:

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY: an outside investigation of the police officers and procedures

JUSTICE FOR KEKE!: all charges be dropped and official apology from the SPD & City of Saraland

Just consequences for police officers involved in the brutalization of Keke

Community control of all aspects of policing: local policing to be overseen by elected community oversight boards with full powers over the police, including department policies & procedure, ability to issue warrants, & ability to elect independent, anti-racist candidates from community organizations and unions

If you want to be a part of this movement demanding police accountability and want to see #justiceforkeke, please contact us!